Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, co-founder of the French Pastry School in Chicago, will demonstrate how to make macarons -- and guests can taste them -- at a free event Dec. 5 at Milwaukee Area Technical College downtown.

Pfeiffer, who grew up working in his family's bakery in France's Alsace region and went on to acclaim in the U.S., also will sign copies of his new book (published Dec. 3). Called "The Art of French Pastry," the book will be available for $40, or $30 for MATC students with valid ID. The book explains the fundamental techniques behind pastry and essential equipment, and includes recipes. | Nov. 29, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

The Chicago chef hired by the Iron Horse Hotel's parent company will oversee the culinary program there, but Aparium Hotel Group intends to also hire another chef for day-to-day oversight of the kitchen.

As executive culinary director, Suzy Crofton will guide kitchens at the Iron Horse and at a hotel in La Crosse called the Charmant that's to open at the end of 2014. Crofton's late restaurant, Crofton on Wells in Chicago, earned a Michelin star in 2011. | Nov. 29, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

It's musical trivia time: was the Canadian Brass founded by Canadian brass players?

No. Charles Daellenbach, a native of Rhinelander, and Missouri-born Gene Watts founded the world-famous brass quintet in Toronto in 1970. Tuba player Daellenbach is the only original quintet member still performing with the group. | Nov. 29, 2013»Read Full Article

The menu includes appetizers, soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as the cod and perch fish fry and desserts. Several menu items were introduced just for lunch: goat cheese and wild mushroom flatbread ($10.95), grilled chicken club wrap with pesto mayonnaise ($10.95) and the grass-fed beef Twisted burger ($10.95): with bacon, white cheddar, tomato, avocado, truffled arugula and house ketchup on a brioche bun. | Nov. 29, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

Whether you think a book is a loyal friend, as Hemingway did; a frigate, as Emily Dickinson called it; or an ax, as Franz Kafka proclaimed, we have books for you to consider this holiday gift-giving season.

Specifically, we're offering 100 suggestions in a variety of genres, tones and topics. It is not a best-of-the-year list, though some books recommended here could easily be on such a list. | Nov. 29, 2013»Read Full Article(6)

Stone Bowl Grill, the Korean restaurant by the owner of two sushi restaurants, has opened quietly on the east side.

Stone Bowl, in the former Mayura space at 1958 N. Farwell Ave., is in its soft opening as it works out details, said owner Brian Park. Park also owns Kanpai in the Third Ward and Wasabi in Brookfield. The restaurant still is awaiting its liquor license; after the city's OK, the restaurant could begin serving liquor around Dec. 15, Park said. | Nov. 29, 2013»Read Full Blog Post